EngineeringOn-site

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Last seen by MeritLog September 9, 2026Source: GreenhouseSource version: greenhouse-job-board-v1

MeritLog read this listing from Katalyst Space Technologies's Greenhouse job board and last checked it on September 9, 2026.

Source: the employer's Greenhouse job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: On-site
Salary: $139,000 – $225,000 per year
Location: Broomfield, Colorado, United States

Hiring context

How this role compares at Katalyst Space Technologies

Katalyst Space Technologies has 41 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 4 job families, and 32 of them are in engineering. 37 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 90%.

This role's posted range of $139,000 – $225,000 per year sits above 75% of the 36 other Katalyst Space Technologies roles quoted over the same currency and period.

Katalyst Space Technologies concentrates this hiring in:

Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.

What the role asks for

What you'd do

Lead and grow the Mechanical Engineering organization spanning robotics, bus design, arrays and other space mechanisms.
Own execution across multiple spacecraft mechanical development efforts.
Establish engineering standards and best practices.
Mentor engineers across all experience levels.
Drive architecture and major technical decisions.
Balance schedule, cost, manufacturability, and technical risk.
Coordinate closely with Systems, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Test.
Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments.
Build a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Support integration, qualification, environmental testing, and flight readiness.
Remove roadblocks for engineering teams while maintaining accountability.
8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace or complex hardware development.
3–5+ years leading engineering teams.
Extensive spacecraft or aerospace structural/mechanical design experience.
Strong CAD and GD&T expertise.
Deep understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
Experience leading qualification and environmental testing.
Strong mechanical fundamentals and systems engineering intuition.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts.
Experience making high-consequence engineering decisions and tradeoffs.

What they're asking for

Flight hardware ownership from concept through launch.SkillPreferred
Startup or rapid-development environment.SkillPreferred
Experience managing multiple simultaneous programs.SkillPreferred
Experience hiring and developing engineering talent.SkillPreferred
Familiarity with propulsion systems, thermal systems, avionics integration, optics, or deployable structures.SkillPreferred
Familiarity with robotics designed for a space environment.SkillPreferred
Experience establishing engineering processes and design standards.SkillPreferred
Experience designing and implementing space mechanisms.SkillPreferred
Experience designing for launch environments and qualification.SkillPreferred

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

Job description

Katalyst Description: Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain. Katalyst Culture: Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. What You’ll Do • Lead and grow the Mechanical Engineering organization spanning robotics, bus design, arrays and other space mechanisms. • Own execution across multiple spacecraft mechanical development efforts. • Establish engineering standards and best practices. • Mentor engineers across all experience levels. • Drive architecture and major technical decisions. • Balance schedule, cost, manufacturability, and technical risk. • Coordinate closely with Systems, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Test. • Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments. • Build a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. • Support integration, qualification, environmental testing, and flight readiness. • Remove roadblocks for engineering teams while maintaining accountability. What We’re Looking For Required • 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience in aerospace or complex hardware development. • 3–5+ years leading engineering teams. • Extensive spacecraft or aerospace structural/mechanical design experience. • Strong CAD and GD&T expertise. • Deep understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes. • Experience leading qualification and environmental testing. • Strong mechanical fundamentals and systems engineering intuition. • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts. • Experience making high-consequence engineering decisions and tradeoffs. Your Ideal Background Preferred • Flight hardware ownership from concept through launch. • Startup or rapid-development environment. • Experience managing multiple simultaneous programs. • Experience hiring and developing engineering talent. • Familiarity with propulsion systems, thermal systems, avionics integration, optics, or deployable structures. • Familiarity with robotics designed for a space environment. • Experience establishing engineering processes and design standards. • Experience designing and implementing space mechanisms. • Experience designing for launch environments and qualification. Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $139,000 - $225,000 annually. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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